Why I Hate Staying at One of the Most Popular Disney World Hotels

It’s no secret that I have stayed at EVERY Disney World hotel. I’ve checked them all off the list, and I have many favorites, while I also know which I will skip from now on.

There are so many great hotels at Disney World; not many will disappoint you. Yet, I gotta be honest: there is one that I hate staying at that is popular with SO many other people. But hear me out, okay?

I hate staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort. There, I said it. Now I know what you’re all thinking: “Quincy! What?! No Way! How can you hate staying at the Riviera?” And I get it, I do. The Riviera is gorgeous, and it’s the newest Disney World hotel. I don’t hate visiting the hotel; I just hate staying there.

The Riviera Resort is a Disney Vacation Club hotel themed after Walt’s many trips and experiences in Europe. The resort is designed to encapsulate European style and art. It’s very beautiful and includes two amazing murals featuring Tangled and Peter Pan.

The Riviera has wonderful dining, as well. Le Petite Cafe has great coffee and delicious European pastries with artful designs. Then there’s Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, where you can dine with Artist Mickey for breakfast or enjoy a rooftop dinner.

Then there’s also the perk of the hotel being right at the Skyliner hub, where you can hop aboard the highway in the sky to either EPCOT or Hollywood Studios. Plus, as a Deluxe Resort, guests get Early Entry AND Extended Evening Hours at the parks.

All of this sounds great, right? So why in the world would I hate staying here if it sounds so magical? Well, here’s the thing: the grounds, the location, the art, the dining, and the architecture are all great, but the Riviera Tower Studios are definitely not great. These rooms are tiny and cramped. Two people, for whom the rooms are designed, barely fit.

The Tower Studio rooms are designed to maximize space efficiency, not necessarily comfort. They are modern and sleek with contemporary furnishings, but these rooms are way overpriced!

There’s no kitchen or storage space, making them feel inconvenient. If there’s more than one person, you’re going to feel squished in the studio rooms. On the positive note, though, the pull-down queen-sized bed is surprisingly comfy! But it’s not enough to justify the cost.

So basically, the Tower Studio rooms at Disney’s Riviera Resort do not have enough space or accommodations to justify the high price point. While the hotel is a Disney Vacation Club resort, meaning DVC members can use points to reserve these rooms, anyone can stay here at the cash price option, too. And what they charge for the tiny rooms just doesn’t make sense when you can stay elsewhere for cheaper with way more space.

If you’re planning on staying in a different room type, that may be different. But for me, I will not be staying here again. Other room options include a Deluxe Studio for up to 5 people, then 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas. But you’re going to be paying a hefty price tag.

There are MANY great hotels at Disney World, and we want to help you pick the best fit for you and your family. Since I’ve stayed in them all, you can count on the AllEars team to bring you fair and reliable info!

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Have you stayed at the Riviera Resort? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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